Shohei Ohtani Trade Rumors: 'Zero Percent Chance' Angels Deal Superstar amid Buzz

Contenders or not, the Los Angeles Angels are not willing to trade away superstar Shohei Ohtani this season, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

"Zero percent chance," a person within the organization told Heyman.

It's a stance that the Angels and owner Arte Moreno have had for several years now, especially after several teams, including the Yankees and Padres, asked about Ohtani's trade availability ahead of last season's deadline.

Ohtani, 28, is set to become a free agent after this season and could receive over $500 million in his new deal, wherever he lands.

Coming off a dominant and electric performance in the World Baseball Classic, where he helped lead Japan to its third title, on-field success is going to play a big role on whether Ohtani stays and extends in Anaheim.

And superstar teammate Mike Trout knows it.

"Ultimately, it's going to come down if we get to the playoffs," Trout said. "That could put a thought in his mind—that could give us a shot."

In his first five seasons with the organization, the Angels have yet to make an appearance in the postseason despite having two of the best players in baseball history in Ohtani and Trout.

So, there's a lot riding on this season.

As of Thursday, the Angels are 9-10 and are tied for second place in the AL West with the Houston Astros. They trail the Texas Rangers by 3.5 games.

After overcoming some injury issues in his first fews seasons in MLB, Ohtani emerged as one of the best talents the league has ever seen, dominant both at the plate and on the mound. He won the 2021 AL MVP after he hit 46 homers and had 100 RBIs in addition to nine wins and a 3.18 ERA as a pitcher.

Last season he came second in MVP voting and fourth in Cy Young voting, an absolutely ridiculous feat.

Due to their location on the West Coast, payroll and their status as perennial contenders, the Dodgers and Padres are seen as the favorites to land Ohtani in free agency, per Heyman. The Mets, Yankees, Mariners, Giants, Cubs and Rangers also can't be ruled out.